Andretti nixes move to NASCARDon’t expect Marco Andretti to make the jump from Indy cars to NASCAR. The third-generation star — grandson of Mario and son of Michael — said his overwhelming ambition remains a victory in the Indianapolis 500. He was at the Eastern Motorsports Press Association’s convention on Saturday to receive the organization’s T. Wayne Robertson Newsmaker Award.

“For me, I just think I was born to be an open-wheel driver,” declared Marco. “That’s what it comes down to. It’s where my heart is. It’s in open wheels.”

Andretti agreed, though, that it’s absolutely crucial to the Indy Racing League’s future that it be able to hang on to its stars and cultivate the long-term name recognition that separates it from NASCAR.

“I agree,” he said. “(Name recognition) is what it comes down to in determining whether people follow the sport and develop a long-term attachment. I know what kind of sport we have, and I think it’s the best.”

Andretti did, however, concede one exception. He’d like to take a stab at Formula One, like his grandfather, who became America’s 2nd World Driving Champion. Gaston Gazette

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